The Ultimate Ranking of the Greatest Characters in the Grand Theft Auto Franchise - Number 1 Will Shock You!

Rockstar Games has been a pioneer in the gaming industry for over twenty-five years, creating numerous iconic games. One of their most renowned franchises is Grand Theft Auto, which has continuously improved with each new installment. Starting with the basic overhead setting and one-dimensional characters of the original GTA game, the series has evolved into the latest release, Grand Theft Auto 5, featuring complex three-dimensional characters that rival those found in any blockbuster movie.

Throughout the franchise's history, players have been introduced to unforgettable characters, such as Tommy Vercetti in GTA: San Andreas, as well as the trio of playable characters - Trevor, Michael, and Franklin - in GTA 5. Additionally, the games have included a range of exceptional supporting characters who aid in missions and provide crucial information to the main protagonists.

10 Ken Rosenberg (GTA: Vice City/San Andreas)

Ken plays a significant role in GTA: Vice City and San Andreas. In Vice City, he assists the Forelli mafia family in establishing their presence in the drug trade. However, it is in San Andreas where Ken becomes more central to the story. Set six years after Vice City, Ken struggles with addiction and is abandoned by his longtime friend, Tommy Vercetti. The character of Rosenberg is said to be inspired by Dave Kleinfeld from Carlito's Way, played by Sean Penn. While he is important in both games, his most crucial development occurs in San Andreas, as we witness the consequences of his drug addiction and his descent into criminal activities.

9 Chop (GTA 5)

The three main characters in GTA 5 possess several impressive special abilities, but they all lack a powerful sense of smell. Enter Chop, Lemar's faithful rottweiler dog. Although he occasionally gets distracted by his need to mate with male dogs, Chop proves to be very helpful in various missions throughout GTA 5.

Chop makes his debut in a mission aptly named "Chop," where the objective is to kidnap a gangster known as D. Franklin. Franklin drives the van to the designated location, accompanied by Lemar and Chop. During the mission, Chop plays a crucial role in pursuing the target on foot, eventually leading them to a train yard. From this moment on, Chop becomes a beloved character among fans and a valuable companion to Franklin, essentially becoming his adopted pet for the rest of the game's storyline.

8 Lester Crest (GTA 5)

Lester Crest plays a crucial role in numerous heists throughout GTA 5. Despite his physical limitations, his exceptional intelligence allows him to mastermind these heists involving Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Popular among fans, it is highly probable that Lester will make a comeback in GTA 6.

In one possible ending, if players choose to confront the antagonists, Lester aids in executing this plan. This ending strongly suggests that Lester will return as a character in GTA 6. After all, who else would organize the missions in the new game? This serves as a plea to Rockstar games: please reintroduce one of our beloved supporting characters.

7 Tommy Vercetti (GTA: Vice City)

Tommy Vercetti, the late great Ray Liotta's portrayal, marked a significant shift in the Grand Theft Auto franchise as the first speaking protagonist. This introduction paved the way for the development of more complex and multidimensional characters in subsequent installations. Hailing from the crime saga's gripping narrative, Ray Liotta's seamless fit into the role of Tommy, drawing from his previous iconic portrayal of characters like Henry Hill in Goodfellas. Exuding an unmistakable 80s aesthetic and fueled by violence, Tommy is resolute in his pursuit to ascend the ranks of the mafia.

6 Wu Zi Mu (GTA: San Andreas)

Woozie, as he is affectionately called by his friends, stands out in GTA: San Andreas for his unwavering loyalty to CJ. Despite a storyline rife with betrayal, Wu Zi Mu is unique.

As the enigmatic leader of the Mountain Cloud Boys triads, he is often referred to as "The Lucky Mole." His uncanny ability to triumph in car races and video games, despite his blindness, adds to his air of intrigue.

5 Carl ‘CJ’ Johnson (GTA: San Andreas)

CJ, affectionately known to everyone, was a truly unforgettable character in GTA: San Andreas. Players are drawn to support him due to his challenging journey throughout the game. Following the tragic death of his mother, CJ strives to rebuild and maintain connections in GTA: San Andreas. In contrast to Tommy, he embodies reason and logic.

His rationality often translates into noteworthy one-liners, such as "What did you expect? It's America." This line cleverly highlights America's controversial gun laws. Each time CJ brandishes a firearm, the series takes a political stance and fearlessly satirizes America's excessive fascination with gun ownership.

4 Niko Bellic (GTA 4)

Niko Bellic, the protagonist of the franchise's finest game before GTA 5, emerged as the standout character in terms of his background, missions, and the game's setting. As a Serbian war veteran seeking solace in Liberty City, his motivations went beyond financial gain or underworld recognition.

Yearning for the American dream, Niko's aspirations turned into a catastrophe. There are rumors circulating that he may make a comeback in GTA 6, which only adds to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming game. With numerous reasons to eagerly await the new installment, the return of Niko Bellic would undoubtedly be another exciting prospect.

3 Franklin Clinton (GTA 5)

GTA 5 introduces the franchise's first three playable characters, each distinct from one another. This diversity is a key factor in making GTA 5 the most expansive and impressive installment in the series. Players feel a strong connection to Franklin, the initial character they follow.

As the plot unfolds, Michael takes on a central role in GTA 5. Nevertheless, Franklin remains enjoyable to play due to his exceptional ability in driving in cramped spaces and the dynamic banter he shares with his friend, Lemar. It is also captivating to witness Franklin's character development, as he evolves from a street-level player to a formidable leader as the game progresses.

2 Trevor Philips (GTA 5)

There is a strong argument to position Trevor as the top contender on this list, despite the potential disagreement from many fans who may consider him as the runner-up. While he is undeniably entertaining and exceptionally good at delivering insults, his character seems to lack depth beyond his vile remarks and psychotic tendencies. Throughout the game, he remains relatively unchanged from his initial introduction to the ultimate conclusion.

When faced with the choice of saving Trevor or Michael in the final sequence, the decision is easily made. While gamers have the option to save both characters, the prevailing desire is to eliminate Trevor and eliminate his unpleasant demeanor from the world of Los Santos.

1 Michael De Santa (GTA 5)

Michael is responsible for tying up all the loose ends in GTA 5. He is connected to all the main characters and involved in the heists. Some have claimed that his character is inspired by Robert De Niro's memorable portrayal of Neil McCauley in Heat.

What sets Michael apart in GTA 5 is his entertaining extended family. This adds more meaning and importance to his actions compared to the other two protagonists. In certain missions, Michael's family is in danger, intensifying the stakes. Players root for him to succeed so he can go back to his retirement, but not everyone is meant for retirement. There are fans who would love to see him make an appearance in GTA 6.